Last week I was in downtown Indy and went for a walking tour. Hope you enjoy.

 

 

Monument Circle

 

 

New Colts Stadium

 

The Wholesale District

 

 

 

Union Station

 

 

 

 

 

The new cultural trail (bike and pedestrian project)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mass Avenue Arts and Theater District

 

 

 

 

Downtown Grocery Store

 

 

Urban Park Space

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Library Addition

 

Thanks!

The cultural trail looks nice, but I'm confused as to why they separated both pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicular traffic.  The trail looks more like sidewalk space, and by the looks of it many pedestrians confuse the bicycle area as a sidewalk.  The most successful bike lanes that I've seen are separated from vehicular traffic by a curb or something else but are still clearly on par with the moving lanes.

Great set!

The cultural trail looks nice, but I'm confused as to why they separated both pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicular traffic. The trail looks more like sidewalk space, and by the looks of it many pedestrians confuse the bicycle area as a sidewalk. The most successful bike lanes that I've seen are separated from vehicular traffic by a curb or something else but are still clearly on par with the moving lanes.

 

I think its great they were willing to dedicate roadway for some great bicycle space. Not just a line down the road. Several major planning and urban publications have called this project one of the best pedestrian/bike developments in North America. I am kind of surprised from a planning stand point that you would not find such a focus on the pedestrian and bicyclist great. I guess those that like to ride next to traffic on their bikes will have plenty of chances as they work on 200 miles of on street bike lanes that they just announced.

downtown indy certainly has its perks.  great set of my future home.  bah!  mass ave here i come. 

The cultural trail looks nice, but I'm confused as to why they separated both pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicular traffic.  The trail looks more like sidewalk space, and by the looks of it many pedestrians confuse the bicycle area as a sidewalk.  The most successful bike lanes that I've seen are separated from vehicular traffic by a curb or something else but are still clearly on par with the moving lanes.

 

I think its great they were willing to dedicate roadway for some great bicycle space. Not just a line down the road. Several major planning and urban publications have called this project one of the best pedestrian/bike developments in North America. I am kind of surprised from a planning stand point that you would not find such a focus on the pedestrian and bicyclist great. I guess those that like to ride next to traffic on their bikes will have plenty of chances as they work on 200 miles of on street bike lanes that they just announced.

 

I agree with Randy on this one.  I used the cultural trail almst everyday this summer and I can assure you it was annoying and unsafe that pedestrians seemed hell bent on walking in the bicycle lane!  I kept thinking, 'what are you doing, get out of my space dumbass'

 

The planning principle of the trail is good and I am excited about the new additions, but the design, IMO is a bit lacking.  Also, an argument can be made that there is too much visual clutter along the trail too, although this isnt necessarly shown in the pictures you posted.  Having said that, considering the company I work for is behind this trail and one o fmy bosses is project manager....I am completely supportive of everything cultural trail... :) 

^^^I think it is great that Indy is putting forth a concerted effort to make their city more bicycle friendly.  I was just perplexed about the execution.  It looks like they spent a lot of money on it, which is great, but as atlas touched on...it doesn't look like the functionality would be the best.

The cultural trail looks nice, but I'm confused as to why they separated both pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicular traffic. The trail looks more like sidewalk space, and by the looks of it many pedestrians confuse the bicycle area as a sidewalk. The most successful bike lanes that I've seen are separated from vehicular traffic by a curb or something else but are still clearly on par with the moving lanes.

 

I think its great they were willing to dedicate roadway for some great bicycle space. Not just a line down the road. Several major planning and urban publications have called this project one of the best pedestrian/bike developments in North America. I am kind of surprised from a planning stand point that you would not find such a focus on the pedestrian and bicyclist great. I guess those that like to ride next to traffic on their bikes will have plenty of chances as they work on 200 miles of on street bike lanes that they just announced.

 

I agree with Randy on this one. I used the cultural trail almst everyday this summer and I can assure you it was annoying and unsafe that pedestrians seemed hell bent on walking in the bicycle lane! I kept thinking, 'what are you doing, get out of my space dumbass'

 

The planning principle of the trail is good and I am excited about the new additions, but the design, IMO is a bit lacking. Also, an argument can be made that there is too much visual clutter along the trail too, although this isnt necessarly shown in the pictures you posted. Having said that, considering the company I work for is behind this trail and one o fmy bosses is project manager....I am completely supportive of everything cultural trail... :)

 

I think this comment makes the best point of all. "I kept thinking, 'what are you doing, get out of my space dumbass'." As a bicyclist a city actually gave you 'your own space' (but still within the street grid) and gave you some separation from traffic. I am sure the pedestrians will figure it out over time. Its like a roundabout, it takes some time and complaining from some people. But, at least the space is being developed for alternative transportation modes. Most cities and their foundations wouldn't find your needs worth $60 million. They would just give you a stripped line, or nothing at all. I personally hope more US cities are willing to spend more money on the bicyclist.

The cultural trail looks nice, but I'm confused as to why they separated both pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicular traffic.  The trail looks more like sidewalk space, and by the looks of it many pedestrians confuse the bicycle area as a sidewalk.  The most successful bike lanes that I've seen are separated from vehicular traffic by a curb or something else but are still clearly on par with the moving lanes.

 

I think its great they were willing to dedicate roadway for some great bicycle space. Not just a line down the road. Several major planning and urban publications have called this project one of the best pedestrian/bike developments in North America. I am kind of surprised from a planning stand point that you would not find such a focus on the pedestrian and bicyclist great. I guess those that like to ride next to traffic on their bikes will have plenty of chances as they work on 200 miles of on street bike lanes that they just announced.

 

I agree with Randy on this one.  I used the cultural trail almst everyday this summer and I can assure you it was annoying and unsafe that pedestrians seemed hell bent on walking in the bicycle lane!  I kept thinking, 'what are you doing, get out of my space dumbass'

 

The planning principle of the trail is good and I am excited about the new additions, but the design, IMO is a bit lacking.  Also, an argument can be made that there is too much visual clutter along the trail too, although this isnt necessarly shown in the pictures you posted.  Having said that, considering the company I work for is behind this trail and one o fmy bosses is project manager....I am completely supportive of everything cultural trail... :) 

 

I think this comment makes the best point of all. "I kept thinking, 'what are you doing, get out of my space dumbass'." As a bicyclist a city actually gave you 'your own space' (but still within the street grid) and gave you some separation from traffic. I am sure the pedestrians will figure it out over time. Its like a roundabout, it takes some time and complaining from some people. But, at least the space is being developed for alternative transportation modes. Most cities and their foundations wouldn't find your needs worth $60 million. They would just give you a stripped line, or nothing at all. I personally hope more US cities are willing to spend more money on the bicyclist.

 

agreed.  Bicycle lanes should be mad emore abundant throughout the midwest.  And I am greatful, as a bicyclist, for 'my own space'.  But that doesnt mean we should accept whatever design they throw at us because its 'better than nothing.'  We can be picky too.  :) 

I guess I don't really see the problem. Its well marked were the pedestrian and the bicyclist should be. I don't think its the trail design fault if the pedestrian walks on the wrong side. I also think this type of design is well proven in Europe and is not just a 'whatever development'. It just happens to be a fairly new design in urban American cities. Its kind of refreshing to see a midwest city actually take a lead on a design concept (outside of Chicago) and be a model that other parts of the country are now looking at.

http://www.metropolismag.com/cda/story.php?artid=3273

Nice! I love all the big monuments Indy has.

Beautiful pics! Downtown Indy on a nice day is gorgeous, and I love the weekday lunchtime crowds that gather on the circle. I haven't done a photo excursion down there in three or four years, and it's obviously just getting better and better.

 

Regarding pedestrians on the bike paths, have you thought of a cattle prod? You can get one at Tractor Supply (TSC). It's a rod, two to four feet long, with two probe-contacts on one end and a handle with a button and space for batteries on the other.

 

It's used for persuading reluctant beasts up the ramp into the truck that will take them to the slaughterhouse. Some are adjustable from a finger-in-a-light-socket tingle to a grab-a-spark-plug jolt. You could have a lot of fun with one on your bike until the cops bust you with a taser. :evil:

thanks for the pics. I passed through Indianapolis last weekend (stopping only to eat a famous pork tenderloin sandwich). A couple questions-do you know anything about those 2 tall residential towers -how old are they? I was curious if they were new constuction. Also I could not believe how huge that stadium was. It looked way out of scale for the rest of the city 

The Conrad Hotel and Residencies?  If you're talking about that, it's fairly new.

wow! how many stories? I had no idea there was such a market for urban living there. I wonder how many floors are hotel.

wow! how many stories? I had no idea there was such a market for urban living there. I wonder how many floors are hotel.

i think it 25 stories all together.  I know there are only about 20-25 apartments in the residence portion of the hotel. 

The cultural trail looks nice, but I'm confused as to why they separated both pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicular traffic.  The trail looks more like sidewalk space, and by the looks of it many pedestrians confuse the bicycle area as a sidewalk.  The most successful bike lanes that I've seen are separated from vehicular traffic by a curb or something else but are still clearly on par with the moving lanes.

 

I think its great they were willing to dedicate roadway for some great bicycle space. Not just a line down the road. Several major planning and urban publications have called this project one of the best pedestrian/bike developments in North America. I am kind of surprised from a planning stand point that you would not find such a focus on the pedestrian and bicyclist great. I guess those that like to ride next to traffic on their bikes will have plenty of chances as they work on 200 miles of on street bike lanes that they just announced.

 

I agree with Randy on this one.  I used the cultural trail almst everyday this summer and I can assure you it was annoying and unsafe that pedestrians seemed hell bent on walking in the bicycle lane!  I kept thinking, 'what are you doing, get out of my space dumbass'

 

The planning principle of the trail is good and I am excited about the new additions, but the design, IMO is a bit lacking.  Also, an argument can be made that there is too much visual clutter along the trail too, although this isnt necessarly shown in the pictures you posted.  Having said that, considering the company I work for is behind this trail and one o fmy bosses is project manager....I am completely supportive of everything cultural trail... :) 

 

I think this comment makes the best point of all. "I kept thinking, 'what are you doing, get out of my space dumbass'." As a bicyclist a city actually gave you 'your own space' (but still within the street grid) and gave you some separation from traffic. I am sure the pedestrians will figure it out over time. Its like a roundabout, it takes some time and complaining from some people. But, at least the space is being developed for alternative transportation modes.

 

Sounds like Amsterdam! You definitely find out quickly enough to stay out of the bike lane there.

thanks for the pics. I passed through Indianapolis last weekend (stopping only to eat a famous pork tenderloin sandwich). A couple questions-do you know anything about those 2 tall residential towers -how old are they? I was curious if they were new constuction. Also I could not believe how huge that stadium was. It looked way out of scale for the rest of the city

 

I think you are talking about the Riley Towers. They are each 30 stories and were built about 30 years ago. They recently were remodeled. There are few other residential towers in that same area. The Conrad tower just opened a few years ago near Circle Center with the top 5 floors condos. I believe they cost between 1 and 3 million a unit.

thats them. It is interesting that in the 70's -urban flight time -that there would be such demand for residential downtown. fascinating. Are they condo or rental?

I guess I don't really see the problem. Its well marked were the pedestrian and the bicyclist should be. I don't think its the trail design fault if the pedestrian walks on the wrong side. I also think this type of design is well proven in Europe and is not just a 'whatever development'. It just happens to be a fairly new design in urban American cities. Its kind of refreshing to see a midwest city actually take a lead on a design concept (outside of Chicago) and be a model that other parts of the country are now looking at.

http://www.metropolismag.com/cda/story.php?artid=3273

 

Thats fine, I too am glad they are leading the way in the midwest in these types of development, but thats not the issue. we can disagree.  I dont know if you use the cultural trail frequently or not, but as a frequent user this past summer, my opinion is that it could have been designed better to keep pedestrians out of the way of bicyclists and vice versa.  From a user's standpoint, thats all I am saying. 

Great pics.  Indy appears to be on the right track  - did they actually remove a vehicular travel lane for this project?

thats them. It is interesting that in the 70's -urban flight time -that there would be such demand for residential downtown. fascinating. Are they condo or rental?

 

Rentals. I had a friend that live in them for some time. Great views.

Great pics. Indy appears to be on the right track   - did they actually remove a vehicular travel lane for this project?

 

I believe so. So anti car. The city's future is now on the edge.

 

Downtown Grocery Store

 

All right, Marsh's!  The closest one to me is in Franklin, so I have a tendency to interrupt trips to Indiana for a little grocery shopping!  (I always get non-perishables like their brand of soda.)

 

 

 

Is that the US Post Office plant in the background?  It looks a lot like the one in Dayton.  I've considering transferring to the one in Indianapolis.

 

Downtown Grocery Store

 

All right, Marsh's! The closest one to me is in Franklin, so I have a tendency to interrupt trips to Indiana for a little grocery shopping! (I always get non-perishables like their brand of soda.)

 

 

 

Is that the US Post Office plant in the background? It looks a lot like the one in Dayton. I've considering transferring to the one in Indianapolis.

 

No, that is the Federal Government Complex in downtown. The main Post Office plant is located next to the new Colts Stadium. I though I have heard some talking about that facility being moved some place else to make room for more development in the area.

I am impressed!  Thank you!

Indianapolis looks VERY clean.  It looks like a very pretty city from what you photographed.  A lot of new construction mixed in with very well-kept older construction.  Perfect combination.  Thanks!!

I agree, from what little bit I saw, it looked well taken care of! Nice city and great photos!

I like this.  Dig the rows of contrasting brick

 

I like this.  Dig the rows of contrasting brick

 

 

That is a unique building. It the Murat which is one of the main theaters in the city.